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The Applied Animal Biology program provides advanced education and research pathways for earning M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees, focusing on animal physiology, behavior, welfare, and the management of livestock, aquaculture, and wildlife. Graduate studies typically combine coursework in fundamental and applied sciences with thesis or dissertation research. Candidates are encouraged to publish their findings in top-tier international peer-reviewed journals. Course selection, guided by the student's advisory committee, includes specialized graduate-level classes aligned with individual research interests. The program benefits from partnerships with other UBC graduate departments like Zoology, as well as organizations including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, and the SPCA.
Applicants for a master's degree program must hold the academic equivalent of a four-year bachelor's degree from UBC with: a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in third-year level and above courses; or academic standing with at least 12 credits of third- or fourth-year courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study; or applicants who have a four-year bachelor's degree, or its academic equivalent, which does not meet the requirements stated above, but who have had significant formal training and relevant professional experience to offset such deficiencies, may be granted admission on the recommendation of the appropriate graduate program or faculty and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Applicants from a university outside Canada at which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version); or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual score less than 6.0; or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): minimum overall score of 85, with a final score of 3 in the speaking test.